Heartbeat of Gratitude – An Alternative Thanksgiving – G181026

Join us for a weekend of gratitude that will be highlighted by a Southern Plains-style gourd dance. This social dance began as a warrior’s dance, and originated from the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma. Since it’s inception, gourd dances have become intertribal dances and have been put on to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries. Along with these celebrations, gourd dances are also put on to remember those who have journeyed on to the spirit world, as well as to send off war veterans to the front line and for their safe return home. Ghost Ranch gourd dance was founded on the notion to promote the well-being of a community, for healing & to strengthen intertribal relations, native & non-native. This rich weekend of teaching, music and dance begins Friday with a talking circle to introduce the history, process, and etiquette for the ceremony. The dance itself unfolds across Saturday afternoon and evening.

Merrick Tate is Red House Clan, born for Red Running into the Water Clan. Originally from Ts'ah Bii'kin (Inscription House), AZ, Merrick has lived in Albuquerque, NM since 2003. Merrick is a silversmith apprentice, feather fan